75-year-old Angelo Becciu, a former adviser to Pope Francis, has become the highest-ranking Catholic Church cleric to appear before the Vatican’s criminal court. In addition, he was once considered one of the most realistic contenders for the papal throne.
He and nine other defendants were on trial for financial crimes in connection with a murky London property deal. The defendants include financiers, lawyers and former Vatican employees.
The president of the court, Giuseppe Pignatone (Giuseppe Pignatone), announced the verdict on Saturday, by which A. Becciu was accused of embezzlement, abuse of official position and falsification of evidence.
His lawyer Fabio Viglione said he intends to appeal the verdict. F. Viglione was allocated 8 thousand. EUR fine.
350 million is at the center of this case. the purchase of luxury real estate in London worth 100,000 euros, which became part of an investment that began in 2014 and ultimately cost the Vatican tens of millions of euros.
The hearing of this case was started in July 2021. The trial has shed light on the finances of the Holy See, which Pope Francis, who took over the helm of the Catholic Church in March 2013, has struggled to unravel.
Weeks before the trial, the Pope gave the Vatican’s civil courts the right to try cardinals and bishops. Previously, this was done by a court led by cardinals.
Prosecutor Alessandro Diddi asked A. Becciu to be sentenced to seven years in prison, and the other defendants – from four to thirteen years.
A. Becciu has always maintained his innocence and called the accusations groundless.
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2024-08-03 12:10:01